One calm afternoon on Long Island, a homeowner stepped outside to let his dogs enjoy some time in the yard. What began as an ordinary moment quickly turned into something unforgettable.
As the dogs ran across the grass, something unusual caught the man’s eye. A small brown lump sat motionless near the fence, blending into the ground. Unsure of what it was, he brought his dogs back indoors and walked closer to get a better look.
The closer he got, the clearer it became that this was not an object at all. Sitting quietly in the grass was a baby owl, wide awake in the middle of the day and clearly out of place. The tiny bird seemed confused and possibly in need of help.
A Young Owl Receives Quick Assistance
Worried for the little bird’s safety, the homeowner immediately reached out to Strong Island Animal Rescue League. Wildlife responder Frankie Floridia arrived soon after to assess the situation.
When Floridia pulled up, the homeowner was still trying to process what he had found. He had never encountered an owl so close before, especially not one grounded and exposed.
“He’d never seen an owl down like that. So he was nervous,” Floridia told The Dodo.
Approaching slowly with protective gloves, Floridia crouched near the tiny raptor. Since owls usually stay in trees and are active at night, finding one alone on the ground was highly unusual. He paused for a moment to admire the bird’s striking features.
“He’s a majestic creature. He’s beautiful. It’s such a rare creature to see,” Floridia said.
The baby owl remained surprisingly calm as Floridia gently lifted him. He carried the owl to a transport crate and quietly reassured him throughout the process. Once the bird was safely secured, they headed to Sweetbriar Nature Center for a full evaluation.
A Safe Place To Recover
At Sweetbriar, staff performed a thorough examination. Thankfully, the owl had not been hurt. He had simply become separated from his family and was disoriented when he landed in the yard.
Caretakers offered food and comfort to help him settle in. After a stressful experience, the hungry little owl wasted no time eating the snacks provided.
With rest and proper care, he quickly regained his strength. Before long, he was stretching his wings, testing his balance, and flying confidently around the center.
Once he was fully ready, rescuers brought him back to the area where he had been found. With a gentle lift, the young owl spread his wings and soared upward, returning to the wild where he belonged.